HC Deb 21 October 1994 vol 248 cc388-9W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that regional health authorities consult directors of social services as to their occupational therapy requirements.

Mr. Bowis

Regional health authorities are required to consult with all employers to calculate the overall demand for non-medical education and training, including occupational therapy. Social services directors are therefore included in this consultation process. The national health service executive and regional health authorities meet regularly with the professional bodies and associations, including the College of Occupational Therapists, to discuss the number of training commissions placed each year. On 13 September 1994, the chief inspector, social services inspectorate, wrote to all directors of social services reminding them of their role in collaborating with regional health authorities in forecasting the numbers of occupational therapists needed to staff their services in future.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for each year since 1979(a) the number of occupational therapy student training commissions funded in each regional health authority and (b) the number of actual students undertaking such commissions.

Mr. Bowis

Figures on the number of occupational therapy student training commissions funded in each regional health authority are not available before 1991. The figures in the table are taken from the annual balance sheet of regional health authorities commissions and detail the number of occupational therapy students funded by regional health authorities since 1991. Information on the number of actual students undertaking such commissions is not held centrally.

Number of occupational therapy student training places in regions 1991–93
England
Region 1991 1992 1993
Number of funded places
Northern 30 53 58
Yorkshire 60 61 80
Trent 102 110 90
East Anglia 30 30 30
Oxford 135 88 44
North-west Thames 60 80 80
North-east Thames 38 57 76
South-east Thames 24 73 176
South-west Thames 44 44 45
Wessex 0 230 31
South Western 115 58 360
Mersey 70 40 41
North Western 52 57 57
West Midlands 64 64 70
Total 824 845 838
Source:
National Balance Sheet (March 1994)4
1Figure amended from 100 to 76 since March 1994. Includes training places funded by individual Trusts within S E Thames region (which itself purchased 42 places.)
2Figure amended from 0 to 30 since March 1994.
3Figure amended from 46 to 60 since March 1994.
4Figures include all training commissions which include 2 year accelerated courses, 3 and 4 year degree courses and 4 year in-service and part-time courses.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken on the recent social services inspectorate report on occupational therapy; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Bowis

Following publication of the report, senior managers of local authority occupational therapy services were invited to two seminars in February and March to discuss the report's findings and exchange ideas on developing good practice. A report of these seminars has been placed in the Library.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Health and I met on 26 July with the local authority associations, the Local Government Board, the Association of Directors of Social Services and the College of Occupational Therapists to discuss the report. We drew particular attention to the need to adopt strategies for the effective and efficient use of occupational therapists. A further meeting is planned to take stock of progress.